As the 2016 International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) came to a close in Durban, South Africa, we visited via Facebook Live with Dr. Rich Wolitski, Acting Director of the HHS Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy (OHAIDP). He reflected on some of the key scientific findings shared during the conference as well as other messages from the conference.

He discussed several studies from different settings that provided further evidence of the benefit of early HIV treatment both for the health of the person living by HIV and its impact on transmission. He also remarked on the number of studies on the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) when adherence is high, and also some of the other insights those studies have offered.

In addition to highlights from the discussions about the tools we now have in the fight against HIV/AIDS, he also discussed the advocacy efforts that were also part of the conference giving voice to the needs of the key populations most impacted by HIV, including women and girls; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; sex workers; and people who inject drugs.

Bringing together scientists, advocates, people living with HIV, implementers and others, the conference gave everyone much to work with as we continue efforts to bring an end to AIDS.

On our Facebook page, you can also view other Facebook Live conversations that we had from AIDS 2016 with U.S. government officials who shared information about the science being presented at the conference and its implications for domestic and international programs.

This article was provided by HIV.gov. It is a part of the publication The 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016).

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Please note: Knowledge about HIV changes rapidly. Note the date of this summary's publication, and before treating patients or employing any therapies described in these materials, verify all information independently. If you are a patient, please consult a doctor or other medical professional before acting on any of the information presented in this summary. For a complete listing of our most recent conference coverage, click here.

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